Apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powder with dispensing and filtering means

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby&#39;s caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.08/265,412 filed Jun. 24, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,325, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 07/981,791, filed Nov. 25,1992, now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to apparatus and methods for maintaining andsupplying a ready source of warm water to mix with powdered infantformula.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The health of a baby depends upon, among other things, its nutritionaldiet. Infant formula has nutritional value similar to mother's milk.Because of its obvious convenience, infant formula is often substitutedfor mother's milk. However, pediatricians advise that the formula shouldbe fed to a baby at a constant temperature throughout the content and asnear to the temperature of the mother's milk as possible.

In addition to the nutritional value of the infant formula, the baby'scaregiver is also interested in the expediency with which the formulacan be dispensed at the proper and consistent temperature to feed thehungry and crying baby. As more and more parents work outside the homeand attempt to cope with their hurried and harried lifestyles, there isan increasing need for faster and more efficient preparation of thebaby's formula. The baby's caregivers have little time during the day todevote to preparation of the baby's formula. Additionally, and perhapsmost significantly, feedings during the night must also be expedient,since any time required for the feedings reduces the caregiver's ownamount of rest and sleep, and may adversely impact the caregiver'snormal sleep pattern. The baby is also more inclined to return to sleepif he/she receives the infant formula in a timely manner. Otherwise, ifallowed to become agitated when hungry and the food is not immediatelyforthcoming, the baby may not return to sleep as readily. In locationswhere water sources are considered to be unsafe or in question,conventional methods and apparatus used to prepare infant formulainclude boiling tap water for sterilization. After boiling, water isallowed to cool to a tepid temperature and then the water is mixed withpowdered or liquid concentrate infant formula. This boil and cool methodhas several disadvantages. First, this method is very time consuming,requiring several minutes of preparation to bring water to a boilingtemperature and then allowing it to cool. Second, if allowed to cool toolong, the water must be reheated, resulting in additional preparationtime. Third, no ready means for accurately measuring, monitoring andcontrolling the temperature of the water is available. Fourth, safety ofboth the baby's caregiver and the baby is at risk. The baby's caregivercould suffer from thermal bums when attempting to pour the boiling waterinto a container. Further, thermal bums to the baby is a possibility ifthe water is not allowed to cool sufficiently. Fifth, the energyrequired to bring water to its boiling point is wasted, as the watermust then be allowed to cool.

Another method and apparatus to prepare infant formula is the use of tapwater supplied directly from a hot water heater. Water from a hot waterfaucet is allowed to run while cold water is purged from the water linesand warm water is delivered. This tap water method has severaldisadvantages. While not as time consuming as the boil and cool methodand apparatus, dispensing water at the proper temperature from thefaucet can consume several minutes. First, the cold water must be purgedfrom the water lines and replaced with warm water. Then, the temperatureof the water must be adjusted to the proper level, which is generally ata lower than desired temperature. Further, the temperature of the wateris not monitored and usually consists of the caregiver testing thetemperature with his/her finger or hand. This may result in thermalbums. The tap water method also results in waste as the water must rununtil the proper temperature is achieved.

Microwave ovens are often used to heat infant formula. While this methodis often used because of convenience and expediency, it is undesirablebecause hot spots in the formula may develop, resulting in inconsistentformula temperature. Further, thermal bums to the baby's mouth mayresult from drinking hot formula. In addition, some studies report thatformula heated with microwaves may inhibit the baby's digestion.

Ready liquid formula is an alternative feeding method. However, liquidformula is generally more expensive than powdered infant formula andspoils within 48 hours after opening. Further, the liquid must berefrigerated to prevent spoilage even within the 48 hour period. Inaddition, a method to heat the liquid formula is required when warmformula is desired. Many times a unit to warm a baby bottle containingliquid formula is used. However, these units, generally take severalminutes to warm first the bottle and then the formula contained insidethe bottle. Further, no ready means for monitoring and adjusting thetemperature of the formula is available.

A method and apparatus for supplying water for mixing infant formulausing liquid concentrate is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,352,460 (the'460 patent). The '460 patent discloses a storage and dispensing devicefor liquid infant formula which includes two compartments. Onecompartment refrigerates and stores the liquid formula concentrate. Theother compartment holds hot water that is dispensed with the liquidformula into a bottle. The water is heated with an electric elementwhich is controlled by a thermostat. Such a device has severaldisadvantages. First, the water is supplied only at a very hightemperature range such that when mixed with the refrigerated pre-chilledliquid concentrate, the temperature of the resulting mixture is loweredto a range suitable for a baby. Thus, the water provided, if dispensedsingularly, would be at a temperature too high for mixing with roomtemperature powdered infant formula. Second, modifying the apparatus andmethod is not desirable. Powdered formula would have to be pre-mixedwith water and then poured into the cold compartment. Having to pre-mixthe powdered infant formula is inconvenient and time consuming.Furthermore, the powdered formula would likely settle to the bottom ofthe compartment, as the formula and water mixture holds its suspensionfor a lesser period of time than pre-mixed liquid.

Another disadvantage of the '460 patent is that the device has no meansfor monitoring or controlling the temperature of the final mixture ofwater and infant formula. Further, the temperature of the final mixturewould need to be controlled by adjusting both the temperature of the hotwater and the temperature of the chilled liquid concentrate.Additionally, inconsistent temperatures throughout the mixture mayresult, with hot spots where more water is present and cold spots wheremore of the liquid formula concentrate is present. This problem of hotand cold spots could be reduced somewhat by manually stirring themixture to obtain a homogenous temperature. These disadvantages increasethe time and number of steps required to produce a suitable mixture forfeeding to a baby.

The device taught by the '460 patent is cumbersome and probablyexpensive to make and to operate because of its duplicate parts. Itcontains, among other elements, two reservoirs and a refrigeration unitas well as a heating unit. Not only would these parts be costly topurchase initially, but also costly when replacing worn parts. Moreelectricity is required to operate both the refrigeration unit and theheating unit. More importantly, the temperature of the water cannot becontrolled to achieve the appropriate temperature required for powderedinfant formula.

Other methods and apparatus pertain to heating water for preparation ofhot drinks. Beverage water dispensing units typically dispense water foreither hot beverages or cold beverages, but not warm or tepid beveragessuch as infant formula. Further, a means for selecting and adjusting thetemperature of the water is not available. An example of these typeunits is a coffee maker. The coffee maker dispenses water at too high atemperature for infant formula and typically has no means fortemperature selection or monitoring. Another such device is thatdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,860 (the '860 patent) of Verheijen. Aheating unit brings a quantity of water to a high temperature which isthen mixed with water at a lower temperature, resulting in a mixture ofwater at a desired temperature, somewhere between the temperature rangeof the hot and cooler water components. In addition, the device isconnected to an inlet which supplies the water components. Such a deviceis unsuitable for supplying heated water for mixing with powdered infantformula. The temperature of the final water product may have hot andcold spots throughout because of the mixing of a hot quantity with acold quantity of water to achieve a mixture having the desiredtemperature. There is also no indication or readout of the final watertemperature.

A method and apparatus for dispensing instant foods is described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,139,125 (the '125 patent) of Arzberger et al. The fooddispenser includes a hot water system, water tank and a dehydrated foodstorage hopper. A funnel receives and mixes hot water from the watertank and dehydrated food from the storage hopper. The food mixture isthen discharged from the funnel into a container suitable for receivingthe mixture. Such a method and apparatus has several disadvantages foruse as a supply of heated water for mixing with powdered infant formula.First, the temperature of the water is too hot for use with powderedinfant formula. While hot temperatures are suitable for food such asmashed potatoes and cereal for adults and older children, infant formulamust be served at lower temperatures. Second, the temperature of thewater cannot be controlled or adjusted to the lower temperaturesrequired for infant formula. Third, modifying the apparatus and methodfor use with infant formula is undesirable. Even if the watertemperature could be adjusted and controlled to lower temperatures, thedevice is too unwieldy for use as an infant formula dispenser. An infantformula dispenser ideally delivers only warm water. The process andapparatus disclosed in the '125 patent would deliver pre-mixed formula,which has several problems. The powdered formula stored in the hopperwould quickly become stale and unusable. Also, the water tank capacityof one gallon of water is too enormous for adaptability for infantformula. Typically, a baby requires only four to eight ounces of formulaevery two to four hours. A gallon capacity would last between 16 and 32hours. This would require an excess amount of energy to power the fooddispenser for a substantial length of time. Further, the '125 patent hasno means to measure the proper amount of water and powdered formula tobe mixed together. Additionally, no temperature readout is provided.

The method and apparatus disclosed by the '125 patent is unwieldy andprobably expensive to produce and maintain. It contains, among otherelements, a large water tank, a dehydrated food storage hopper, and afunnel for mixing of the water and dehydrated food. A correspondinghigher amount of energy would be required to operate the variouselements of the food dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By overcoming the various disadvantages of the previously describeddevices for supplying heated water, this invention provides a method andapparatus for expediently supplying water at a consistent and idealtemperature that is mixed with powdered infant formula.

In one of its preferred embodiments, the apparatus comprises a reservoirwhere water is added and then heated to the ideal temperature for mixingwith powdered infant formula. Heating water in the reservoir assuresthat the water temperature is stabilized and maintained at an optimumtemperature for infant formula. Further, the water is ready to bedispensed for mixing with the powdered formula whenever a baby's feedingis required. Expediency is at an optimum since the reservoir provides animmediately accessible supply of water at the proper temperature formultiple feedings. This expediency is conducive to better sleep patternsfor both the caregiver and the baby.

According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes anoptimum capacity water reservoir. A baby typically requires only smallquantities of formula ranging from four to eight ounces. Thus, a smallercapacity reservoir is advantageous in that the water will be usedquickly before becoming stagnant. However, the reservoir is large enoughto provide for multiple feedings, which may occur every two to fourhours.

In accordance with other aspects of the invention, a filter forfiltering out contaminants is installed in an apparatus for heatingwater to a temperature suitable for oral delivery to an infant. Water ispoured into a reservoir through the filter, in one embodiment, or ispumped from a reservoir, through a filter, prior to dispensing formixing with powdered formula, in another embodiment. Means fordisinfecting the water may also be used to sterilize the water prior tomixing with the powdered formula.

In accordance with still further aspects of the invention, a variabletemperature setting allows the user of this device to select and controlthe temperature of the water within a narrow temperature range.Temperature of the water can be maintained slightly warmer or coolerthan body temperature, depending on the baby's response at feeding time.The temperature of the formula can be kept consistent at every feeding.Consistency in the formula's temperature is advised by pediatricians asan essential element for the baby's feeding habits. Additionally,powdered formula mixes more efficiently in warm water. Also, continuousmonitoring of the water temperature is provided by a temperaturereadout. Thus, the user knows precisely the formula's temperature andcan adjust it according to individual needs and requirements.Temperature control and monitoring can virtually eliminate thepossibility of thermal bums to the user or baby.

The water heater for infant formula can operate in any area which hasavailable electrical power. It can also be adapted for use in anautomobile. Its use is not limited to areas having an inlet pipesupplying water, as water is poured into the reservoir, rather thanbeing connected to an inlet pipe. Thus, the device can be located in aroom close to the baby or the baby's caregiver, and not restricted tobathrooms or kitchens. However, the device can easily be modified toaccept home or public water supply, if so desired.

These and other advantages of the invention are discussed or will beotherwise apparent from the following description of the preferredembodiment of the invention, its illustration in attached drawings, andthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a water heaterfor infant formula with portions cut away to display interior componentsin elevation.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the water heater for infant formula shownin FIG. 1, taken along section line 2--2, with portions cut away todisplay the closed position of a slide action spring valve.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the water heater for infant formulasimilar to FIG. 2 to display the open position of a slide action springvalve.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a thermostatic control circuit.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a water heaterfor infant formula with portions cut away to display interior componentsin elevation.

FIG. 6 is a top, cross-sectional view of the water heater for powderedinfant formula taken along section line 6--6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a water heaterfor infant formula with portions cut away to display interior componentsin elevation.

FIG. 8 is a detail of a valve shown in FIG. 1 with portions cut away.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an apparatus for preparing infantformula having a fliter disposed on an opening to a reservoir.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an apparatus for preparing infantformula having a filter disposed at an outlet.

FIG. 11 is a partially cut-away perspective view of an apparatus forpreparing infant formula having a pump and a filter.

FIG. 12 is a partially cut away perspective view of an apparatus forpreparing infant formula with an ultra-violet lamp mounted in thereservoir.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 2 for preparing powdered infantformula includes a housing 4 having a water reservoir lid 6, side panel8, front panels 10 and 12, back panel 14, drip gate 16, and a spillagereservoir 18. The drip gate 16 is a framework of lattice bars whichallows spillage of water dispensed from the water reservoir 20 to flowthrough the drip gate 16 into the spillage reservoir 18. The drip gate16 is removable to allow easy cleaning of the shallow spillage reservoir18.

Water reservoir 20 preferably holds 16 fluid ounces or more of water,sufficient for at least four 4-ounce baby feedings or two 8-ouncefeedings. The capacity of the reservoir may be larger. However, toreduce the possibility of growth of microorganisms or contamination byforeign material, the amount of stored water should be kept to theminimum necessary for convenience. Furthermore, heating of the water maybe more easily and quickly controlled with a smaller heating element tosave costs.

The water reservoir lid 6 is removable for pouring water into the waterreservoir 20. Tap water is typically used. If the source of the tapwater is contaminated, it should be boiled and cooled before pouringinto the water reservoir 20. Generally, it is recommended that boilingand cooling of water should occur immediately prior to a baby's naptimeor bedtime. The lid should be replaced prior to operation of the waterheater to keep out contaminants and retain the heat. A clear window 22located in the side panel 8 provides for visual inspection of thequantity of water in the water reservoir 20.

Heating element 24 of U-shape extends through the floor of reservoir 20to heat the water evenly and consistently throughout. The heatingelement 24 is constructed of a material such as stainless steel orceramic which will not rust or corrode and thereby contaminate thewater. The U-shape of the heating element is not limited to the shapethat is shown in FIG. 5. For example, the heating element may be in theform of a pad laid on the floor of the reservoir or in the form of ablanket wrapped around the reservoir. Other types of heating elementsmay also be substituted.

Power to the heating element 24 is turned on and off by a thermostatschematically illustrated in FIG. 4 to achieve a desired watertemperature. Power is delivered with a 120 volt AC current through plug25. On/off switch 27 turns power on and off to the heating element 24and thermostat. This switch has an exterior surface of translucent redplastic through which a light, when lit, may be seen and indicates thatthe water is at a desired water temperature. The desired watertemperature is set manually with knob 26. Preferably, as indicated bythe scale adjacent knob 26, the water temperature is adjusted over asmall range of temperatures from 92° to 100° Fahrenheit, temperatures atwhich formula is preferable for feeding to an infant. Generally, it hasbeen found that mixing water with powdered infant formula does notsignificantly lower the temperature of the resulting liquid formulabelow that of the water constituent. Ideally, the temperature of thewater should be the normal body temperature, which temperature averages98.6° Fahrenheit for most persons. However, temperatures ranging from70° to 105° Fahrenheit could be provided to meet an individual user'spreference. Regardless of the actual temperature, it is most importantto provide water instantaneously at a consistent temperature, within arange of temperatures acceptable for the baby to consume the formula, sothat the water can be mixed with powdered infant formula and fedimmediately to the baby. A display 28 of the temperature is provided toreassure the caregiver that the water temperature is accurate andconsistent.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 8 collectively, lever 30 is providedto pivot about axis 32 when depressed with a baby bottle 122, having anamount of powdered baby formula indicated by dashed line 124, by placingthe bottle's opening beneath funnel 46. One end of the lever extends upinto cavity 34 formed within reservoir 20 and activates a valve 33 whenpivoted.

Lever 30 operates a valve plate 36. Valve plate extends through anopening wall 38 and into reservoir 20. The plate is sealed against theopening with a grommet. Wall 38 partially forms cavity 34. The valveplate is retained for sliding within horizontal grooves 39, indicated bydashed lines, formed along interior walls of cavity 34. Coaxial withvalve plate 36 is a compressed coiled spring 40. The spring, in acompressed state, exerts a biasing force that tends to slide valve plate36 towards the left to a closed position. The biasing force thus alsotends to pivot the lever 30 counterclockwise. Pressing lever 30 with abottle rotates the lever clock-wise and slides the valve plate to theright and moves opening 42 over the mouth 44 of funnel 46. Water thenflows through funnel 46 and into the bottle. The mouth 44 is locatedabove the floor 48 of the reservoir to prevent any sediment that maycollect in the reservoir from flowing through the funnel and into thebottle. Other types of commercially available valves may be used inplace of valve plate 36, and may be fitted to funnel 46 below thereservoir, as opposed to its mouth 44, if desired.

The thermostat and electronic circuits (not shown) are located withincavity 50. A temperature sensor 52 is placed in a location in thereservoir 20 that is representative of the average temperature of waterthat is being dispensed through funnel 46.

A water level sensor 61 prevents power from being supplied to theheating element 24 when the water level in the reservoir falls below apredetermined level to prevent the heating element from getting too hotor burning.

Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a block schematic of the apparatus forpreparing infant formula from powder 2 (FIG. 1) with thermostaticcontrol circuitry. This control circuitry is also used in apparatus 60that is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. A power switching circuit 53, which canbe a relay or a solid state device, turns power on and off to theheating element 24. An output signal from AND gate 59 operates the powerswitching circuit. AND gate 59 receives on one input a signal fromcomparator 54 and one from water level sensor 61 disposed withinreservoir 20.

Water level sensor 61 includes a float 63 having a magnetic top and aproximity sensor switch 65 for sensing the presence of a magnetic field.The proximity sensor switch is, for example, a reed switch havingcontacts that are pulled together by the presence of the magnetic fieldof the magnet on top of the float. The float is upwardly constrained sothat anytime the water level is above a minimum, the magnet on the floatis near the proximity sensor switch 65 and closes it. When the waterdrops, the magnet drops away from the proximity sensor switch, and theswitch opens. An example of such a water level sensor is found in U.S.Pat. No. 5,576,426 to Sesholtz. The proximity detector switch isconnected by an appropriate logic circuit to one input of AND gate 59,so as to provide a logic signal indicating whether the water is above orbelow the minimum level. Other types of water level sensors may besubstituted.

The comparator circuit 54 receives a signal indicative of thetemperature of water in the reservoir from a temperature sensing circuit56 and a signal from temperature setting circuit 58 representative of aset temperature. It compares the two signals and provides a signal online 55 indicating whether the water temperature is above or below theset temperature. The temperature sensing circuit is coupled to thesensor 52. Sensor 52 is preferably a thermistor located within thereservoir in a location representative of the average temperature of thewater being dispensed through funnel 46. The set temperature of thetemperature select circuit 58 is set by the user with knob 26. Thetemperature select circuit may be combined with the temperature sensingcircuit. For example, the thermistor and a variable resistor may beincorporated into the same bridge or voltage-dividing circuit. Thetemperature sensing circuit 56 illuminates light 56A, which is placedbehind a translucent portion of switch 27, when the temperature of thewater is within range of a desired temperature.

Power switching circuit 53 is closed to provide power to heating element24 only when the AND gate receives a logic signal from the proximitydetector switch that indicates the water level is above the minimumwater level and when the comparator 54 provides a logic signalindicating that the water temperature is below the set temperatureindicated by the signal from temperature select circuit 58. Otherwise,the power switching circuit is open.

The temperature select circuit also provides a signal or signalsindicating the actual water temperature to display 28. Either thetemperature sensing circuit 56 or display 28 is provided with thecircuitry necessary to create the desired display, whether it is adigital LED or LCD readout, as shown, or an analog dial.

Other types of thermostats which have sensitivity capable of maintainingthe temperature of water within the desired range may be substituted.One example of an electronic circuit is found in U.S. Pat. No.5,063,836, issued Nov. 12, 1991, which is incorporated herein byreference. The thermostat may also be a conventional mechanical circuit.Furthermore, the thermostat and heater may be incorporated into a singleunit and placed in the reservoir. An example of such units, commonlyused in aquariums, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,142,793.

Unlike coffee makers and other types of water heaters, heating element24 preferably heats the water relatively slowly. Slow heating helps toassure that the temperature throughout the reservoir is relativelyconsistent and free of hot spots. Slow heating allows good thermostaticcontrol to avoid overshooting the set temperature. Measurement of thetemperature of the water in the reservoir is more accurate and placementof sensor 52 is less critical because of the relatively constanttemperature distribution.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an alternative embodiment of a waterheater for powdered infant formula 60 employs a water pump to deliverwater, as opposed to the gravity flow system shown in FIGS. 1-3. Wateris poured into reservoir 62 by removing cap 64. Like the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-3, water is heated to and maintained at a desired temperaturewith a heating element 66 that extends into the reservoir. A window 68shows the amount of water in the reservoir 62.

The temperature of the water is set by the user turning knob 26. Atemperature sensor 72, schematically illustrated, is located within thereservoir at a location representative of the average temperature of thewater being dispensed. The temperature sensor and the heating element 66are coupled to the thermostat and temperature setting and sensingcircuitry shown in FIG. 4. This circuitry is located in electronicscavity 74.

Extending through the floor of reservoir 62 is a funnel 76 for receivingwater. Mouth 78 of the funnel is located above the floor a certaindistance so as to avoid drawing in any sediment that may collect on thefloor of the reservoir. The funnel flows water to an input of water pump80. The output of the water pump is connected to tube 82. Tube 82 runsalong the inside of the reservoir so that water in the tube is notcooled by the ambient room temperature and can be generally maintainedat the desired temperature. The tube transports water under pressure upto valve 84. Valve 84 is spring loaded and normally closed. It is openedby a bottle (not shown) pressing against lever 86. Displacement of lever86 moves arm 88 against an actuator pin in the valve that opens thevalve and simultaneously operates a switch 84A to turn on water pump 80.Water is then pumped from the reservoir and delivered into the bottlethrough spigot 90. Alternatively, the valve may be omitted. In thiscase, lever 86 operates a switch that turns on water pump 80. Anotheralternative is that water pump 80 may be pressure sensitive and operatewhenever the pressure in tube 82 drops below a predetermined level whenvalve 84 is opened.

A drip grate 16 is placed over a shallow spillage reservoir 18 to catchdripping water from spigot 90.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of a water heater forpowdered infant formula 96 is shown partially in section. A line heater98 is used in place of a heated reservoir. Reservoir 100 is filled withwater by removing lid 102. A window 104 on an outer wall 106 of thereservoir shows the water level in the reservoir. The scale next to thewindow indicates the volume of water left in fluid ounces andmilliliters.

A baby bottle (not shown) is pressed against lever 108 to position theopening of the baby bottle beneath spigot 110 and to open valve 112.Opening valve 112 allows water to flow, under the force of gravity, intowater line 114, past line heater 98 and out spigot 110. Valve 112includes a plate 116 with an orifice 117. Plate 116 slides vertically infront of opening 119 to water line 114. Plate 116 is biased to a closedposition by spring 118. In the closed position, the orifice 117 in plate116 is not aligned with opening 119 of the water line 114; the plateserves to block the flow of water. To open the valve, lever 108 isdepressed, which causes arm 120 to pull down on plate 116, aligningorifice 117 with the opening 119.

Line heater 98 is in essence a heat exchanger for imparting thermalenergy to a given volume of water passing through it. The heatingelement is heated by passing current through a resistive element thatheats a thermal reservoir for storing a determined amount of thermalenergy. The amount of thermal energy transferred by the line heater tothe water during dispensing should be sufficient to raise the volume ofwater dispensed into a baby bottle to the desired temperature or withina range of desirable temperatures between 92 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.To achieve the most predictable transfer of heat to the water, thetemperature and flow rate of the water in the reservoir 100 should bekept relatively constant. Also, the flow of heat into the thermalreservoir of the line heater should be sufficient to maintain arelatively constant heat transfer rate to the water throughout theperiod of water flow through the line heater during dispensing.

The line heater 98 is preheated by turning on power switch 27. Itstemperature, indicative of the amount of the thermal energy stored byit, is regulated by a thermostatic control circuit in cavity 122, suchas the one shown in FIG. 4, having a set temperature manually adjustablewith knob 26. Temperature sensor 52 (schematically illustrated), whichpreferably is a thermistor, provides a signal indicative to thethermostatic control circuit for use in regulating the temperature ofthe water and displaying the temperature on display 28. Although thewater is supplied under pressure supplied by gravity, a pump may beincluded, if desired, to provide a more consistent flow of water andtherefore aid in providing more consistent water temperature.

Given the difficulty of accurately controlling the reservoir watertemperature, the flow rates, and the heating of the line heater, using aline heater is less preferred than a heated reservoir to heat the waterto the desired temperature in the bottle. For example, if the heattransfer rate of the line heater changes during flow of the water, thevolume of the water dispensed may have to be limited to a particularvolume to achieve a consistent desired water temperature in the bottle.

Turning now, generally, to FIGS. 9-12, to filter contaminates from thewater, the forgoing apparatuses may be adapted to include a filter orsystem of filters in order to remove contaminates from water beingdispensed into the baby bottle. There are various different types offilters which may be used, each with different properties. These filtersmay be combined, if desired.

Referring now to FIG. 9, in another embodiment of apparatus 2 forpreparing infant formula from powder, a removable and replaceable,gravity-flow, filtering device 200 is mounted within an opening housing4 to the reservoir 20, in place of a cover 6 (see FIG. 1). The filterdevice is designed to be sit within the opening, so that it can beremoved by pulling up on the device in order to easily replace thedevice's filter media 206. Filtering device 200 filters water as it ispoured into the reservoir. It includes a pan 202, having a grated bottom204, in which water may accumulate as it is being poured. Theaccumulation pan establishes a pressure head to help push water throughthe filter, and it also accommodates water that is being poured at arate greater than the rate it is flowing through the filter. Filtermedia 206 is supported within the device, so that water draining throughthe grated bottom 204 of the pan flows through it and into a collectionpan 206 below under the force of gravity. The filter media removescontaminates from the water. It may include activated carbon or othertype of media that removes contaminates from water and works underrelatively low pressures. The collection pan includes a spout 210 foremptying purified water into the reservoir 20.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a filtering device 212 can be placed insteadon outlet 46 of the reservoir to purify water as it is being dispensed.Alternatively, the filtering device can be placed elsewhere in a path ina flow of water from the reservoir and into a baby bottle. However, byattaching it to the outlet 46, the filtering device is easilyreplaceable or removable, and yet, as opposed to simply placing it ontop of a baby bottle, can remain on the apparatus so that it is notlost. Although shown in connection with an apparatus 2 with a reservoirarranged for gravity feed dispensing, a filtering device could beincluded on the end of spigot 90 of the pump driven dispensing apparatus60 shown in FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIG. 11, apparatus 213 for preparing infant formulaincludes a reservoir 214 for holding water for dispensing. Water ispoured into the reservoir through removable cover 6. Pump 216 draws in,through hose 218, water from the reservoir and delivers it underpressure to an inlet (not shown) of filter and/or disinfecting system220. The filter system 220 can include any type of filter, filteringsystem or disinfecting system that requires that the water be undersubstantial pressure, such as a reverse osmosis filter. As compared toan activated carbon filter, a reverse osmosis filter is more effective,tends to remove more contaminates as it can filter out bacteria andother materials having larger molecular structures. However, a pressuregreater than the head of water in the reservoir is required to forcewater throughout.

An outlet of the filter 220 is connected to return hose 222. The returnhose splits at a "y" junction, and the ends of the hoses terminate atdispensing valve 224 and pressure-relief valve 226. The dispensingvalve, or spigot valve, is operated by dispensing lever 30, for allowingwater to flow through outlet 46, into a bottle (not shown) which ispositioned beneath it, in a manner that depresses the lever and opensthe valve. The dispensing valve is normally biased to a closed position.The pressure relief valve 226 opens when the pressure in the return hose222 reaches relief pressure greater than the pressure in hose 222 whenthe dispensing valve 224 is open. When the pressure relief valve isopen, water is pumped into the reservoir through outlet 230. This allowsthe pump to be turn on, if desired, to recirculate water in thereservoir through the filter 220. If the pump is not already on forrecirculating water, depressing of lever 30 will turn the pump on fordispensing.

The filter 220 could also include a series of filters, such as anactivated carbon filter and a membrane for filtering smaller particles.Furthermore, it can incorporate an ultraviolet lamp for disinfecting thewater as it passes through the filter. Disinfecting the water withultraviolet radiation will kill most of the bacteria and othermicroorganisms which may be present in the water. Alternately, anultraviolet lamp could be placed separately into water flow path,separately from filter 220, so that water is pumped past duringdispensing or recirculation.

Referring now to FIG. 12, to sterilize or disinfect water in reservoir20 of apparatus 2 for preparing infant formula from powder, anultra-violet lamp is mounted within the reservoir 20, for shining on thewater in the reservoir to disinfect bacteria and other microorganisms.The ultra-violet lamp may also be mounted in the reservoirs of theapparatus shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

The forgoing are exemplary embodiments of the invention. Modificationsto these embodiments may be made without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for preparing baby formulacomprising:a manually portable housing for freely standing on a surfacefor supporting a reservoir for holding a supply of water; a heatingelement for heating the water well in advance of its need to apredetermined set point with a range of temperatures having an upperlimit at which infant formula may still be safely fed to a baby; athermostat for controlling warming of the water to the set point withoutboiling the water, and thereafter maintaining the temperature of thewater at the set point for an extended period until ready for use, thethermostat including means for sensing the temperature of the water and,response thereto, controlling coupling of power source to the heatingelement; a spigot mounted to the housing at a height above the surfacefor positioning the baby bottle between the surface and the spigot; ameans for visually indicating that the temperature of the water isacceptable for immediate feeding to a baby; means for manually adjustingthe set point within the range of temperatures; a baby bottle positionedfor receiving water dispensed from the reservoir through the spigot; anda supply of powdered formula for immediately mixing with water dispensedfrom the reservoir and feeding of a resultant mixture to an infant. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the range falls within the range ofninety-two degrees Fahrenheit and one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir has a volume of at least 16oz. for enabling preparation of for multiple feedings without refillingthe reservoir.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir issupported on top of the base portion of the housing, at a height abovethe spigot for enabling water to flow from the reservoir and into a babybottle under force of gravity.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein anopening of the spigot to the reservoir is located above the bottom ofthe reservoir so that particulate solids settle to the bottom ofreservoir and thus tend to be prevented from being dispensed into thebaby bottle the spigot.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 further including apump for drawing water from the reservoir and delivering it to thespigot.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for visuallyindicating the temperature includes a numerical display of thetemperature of the water as sensed by the thermostat.
 8. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the range falls within the range of seventy degreesFahrenheit to one hundred five degrees Fahrenheit.
 9. An apparatus forpreparing baby formula comprising:a manually portable housing for freelystanding on a surface for supporting a reservoir for holding a supply ofwater, the reservoir including an opening for receiving water poured bya user; a heating element for heating the water well in advance of itsneed to a predetermined set point with a range of temperatures having anupper limit at which infant formula may still be safely fed to a baby; athermostat for controlling warming of the water to the set point withoutboiling the water, and thereafter maintaining the temperature of thewater at the set point for an extended period until ready for use, thethermostat including means for sensing the temperature of the water and,response thereto, controlling coupling of power source to the heatingelement; a baby bottle positioned for receiving water dispensed from thereservoir through a spigot mounted to the housing at a height above thesurface for positioning the baby bottle between the surface and thespigot; and a supply of powdered formula for immediately mixing withwater dispensed from the reservoir and feeding of a resultant mixture toan infant; wherein the opening to the reservoir, the reservoir and thespigot form a water flow path through the apparatus, to the baby bottle,and wherein the apparatus further includes means, disposed within thewater flow path, for filtering contaminates from the water.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9 further comprising a means for disinfectingdisposed within the water flow path.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9wherein the means for disinfecting includes an ultra-violet lampdisposed within the reservoir.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein themeans for filtering is mounted within the opening to the reservoir. 13.The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the means for filtering is mounted toan outlet portion of the spigot.
 14. The apparatus of claim 9 furtherincluding a pump in the water flow path for drawing water from thereservoir and delivering under pressure to the spigot; wherein the meansfor filtering is disposed within the water flow path between the pumpand the spigot.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 further including a meansfor disinfecting disposed within the flow path between the pump andspigot.
 16. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the means for filteringincludes means for filtering bacteria from the water.
 17. An apparatusfor preparing baby formula comprising:a manually portable housing forfreely standing on a surface for supporting a reservoir for holding asupply of water, the reservoir including an opening for receiving waterpoured by a user; a heating element for heating the water well inadvance of its need to a predetermined set point with a range oftemperatures having an upper limit at which infant formula may still besafely fed to a baby; means for preventing the water from being warmedbeyond the upper limit, the means for preventing comprising a thermostatfor controlling warming of the water to the set point without exceedingthe upper limit and without boiling the water, and thereaftermaintaining the temperature of the water at the set point for anextended period until ready for use, the thermostat including means forsensing the temperature of the water and, in response thereto,controlling coupling of a power source to the heating element; a babybottle positioned for receiving water dispensed from the reservoirthrough a spigot mounted to the housing at a height above the surfacefor positioning the baby bottle between the surface and the spigot; anda supply of powdered formula for immediately mixing with water dispensedfrom the reservoir and feeding of a resultant mixture to an infant;wherein the opening to the reservoir, the reservoir and the spigot forma water flow path through the apparatus, to the baby bottle, and whereinthe apparatus further includes means, disposed within the water flowpath, for filtering contaminates from the water.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein the means for filtering includes means for filteringbacteria from the water.